Sea Safety: The Complete Guide

Tip and guidance for water users

I n t e ra c t i v e
To complement this guide we have also developed an interactive
manual packed with video clips, animations, quizzes and more.
Click here to explore now.
WELCOME TO THE COMPLETE
GUIDE TO SEA SAFETY FROM
THE RNLI
Every year our voluntary lifeboat crews
respond to 8,000 or so incidents, many of
which could have been prevented by observing
simple safety precautions. Over half of these
launches are to leisurecraft. Potentially more
lives could be saved and fewer lifeboat call outs
would be needed if leisurecraft users became
more aware of the potential dangers.
Created as part of the charity’s commitment
to prevention through sea safety education,
Sea Safety: the Complete Guide aims to help
you enjoy your time afloat safely so that you
don’t become a rescue statistic.
This guide is for you to read at home and
possibly have with you when you go out on the
water. It covers the basic information you need
to consider when going out to sea.
Whether you are an experienced water user
or a novice, there is something in there for
everyone: it’s your passport to safety at sea.
For more individual and confidential sea safety
advice, contact us and ask for RNLI Advice
Onboard. An RNLI trained volunteer adviser
will come and chat to you about your craft’s
safety equipment free of charge.
There is no substitute for correct training or
seeking up-to-date advice from experts and
official organisations, so the RNLI provides
presentations and practical demonstrations.
For more information visit RNLI.org/seasafety.
We hope you will have a happy and safe time
on the water.
Designed to complement this guide, the
interactive version offers a fun and interactive
look at sea safety, with video clips, animations
and quizzes for your chosen watersport.
3
RNLI Tamar class lifeboat
Spirit of Padstow launching
Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard
4
contents
before you go
6
Learning the basics
24
weather 8
sharing the water
26
tides 9
rules of the road
27
IS YOUR CRAFT FIT FOR PURPOSE?
safe speeds
27
crew 11
10
navigation marks and lights
27
navigational dangers
12
man overboard (MOB) drill
28
know your engine
29
contingency planning
12
information ashore
13
lifesaving signals
13
safety equipment
14
engine failure
32
lifejackets and buoyancy aids
16
man overboard (MOB)
33
caring for your lifejacket/
Buoyancy aid
17
firing flares
34
abandon ship
34
buoyancy 18
irish legislation
20
communication 20
first aid
22
flares 22
liferafts 23
fire extinguishers
23
what to do in an emergency 30
Are you in distress?
32
making a mayday call
35
emergency beacons
36
rescue services
36
Helicopter rescue
36
rescue by lifeboats
37
useful contacts
38
5
A lifeboat sea
safety advisor goes
through important
points during a free
Advice Onboard
(AOB) session
Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick
6
before you go
Before you set out on the water, it is important
that you plan your trip properly.
You must have a basic understanding of
meteorology and navigation, ensure you have
sufficient equipment onboard your craft, and brief
any crew on safety matters.
weather 8
tides 9
Is your craft fit for purpose?
10
crew 11
navigational dangers
12
contingency planning
12
information ashore
13
lifesaving signals
13
7
weather
Always check the weather before you set off.
Get regular updates if you are planning to
be out for any length of time. Be prepared
to change your plans or cancel the trip if the
forecast is unfavourable.
In addition to national and local radio and TV
forecasts, here is a selection of the best places
to get weather information:
• Online www.metoffice.gov.uk, www.met.ie,
www.bbc.co.uk/weather or other forecasting
websites for example www.windguru.com,
www.weatheronline.co.uk and www.theyr.tv
• Shipping forecast and inshore waters
forecast on BBC Radio 4 (198LW or 92105FM)
• HM and Irish Coastguard broadcast weather
forecasts on VHF Radio – check your
Almanac for details
• Navtex receivers provide printed forecasts
and navigational information
• Harbour and marina offices should display a
local forecast.
Further sources of information for the RoI
• Weatherdial: 1550 123 855
8
tides
It is very important to ensure that your plans
fit with the tidal predictions for the day of
your trip.
• Most slipways and launch sites are tidal.
Check the times of high and low water and
assess how they will affect you when you
launch and later as you head for home.
• If the tide turns to a wind-against-tide
direction, the sea may become much rougher.
• An ebbing tide may create dangerous areas
of shallow water.
• Check if it will be a neap or spring tide.
• Beware of harbour entrances where tidal
streams can be fast flowing.
• If the tide is out you may not be able
to recover your boat.
• Sources of tide timetables include harbour
and marina offices, almanacs and the
internet, for example easytide.ukho.gov.uk.
Always check weather and tide
information before you go to sea
Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard
9
Is your
craft fit for
purpose?
Is your craft capable of and suitably equipped
for the proposed trip?
Be aware of the limitations of your craft.
Do not overestimate its speed or ability to
handle difficult conditions. Remember that
the sea state and weather can change rapidly.
Do you have sufficient safety equipment
and provisions with you?
Do a simple risk assessment. Ask yourself:
• Have you completed your engine checks
(oil, cooling water, fuel)?
• Are all parts of the craft operating correctly?
• Do you have sufficient fuel for the trip?
• Do you have sufficient safety equipment
onboard?
• Do you have sufficient food, drink and warm
clothing for the length of your journey?
• Any other questions relevant to your
type of vessel, for example, during an
inspection of the craft, is there any damage,
or cracks, are bungs in place?
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Being on the sea is exhilarating but
make sure your craft is up to it
Photo: Richard Langdon
crew
Being the skipper of a vessel means taking
responsibility for your actions. Your safety and
the safety of the crew are in your hands. You
must match your knowledge to the conditions
and never put either the crew or the vessel
at risk. Crew members suffering from cold,
tiredness and seasickness won’t be able to
do their job properly. Take into account the
experience and physical ability of your crew,
the type of journey proposed and weather
conditions. When briefing your crew include:
• when the skipper should be called
• the location of the first aid kit
• onboard dangers – including the boom,
winches and windlasses, cleats, propeller,
engine/shaft
• lifejackets and harnesses – how and when
they should be worn
• safety procedure for going on deck
• starting and operating the engine including
how to use the kill-cord
• how to switch on/off the boat’s batteries
and ancillary equipment
• are the crew ready to sail? Do they have
suitable clothes, lifejackets, shoes/boots,
harnesses, and do they need to take a
seasickness remedy?
• switching on and operating the VHF radio
or activating the digital selective calling
(DSC) button
• man overboard drill
what to do if the skipper is incapacitated
• how to read the latitude and longitude off
the global positioning system (GPS)
• operating gas appliances, including isolating
the gas supply
• where the flares are stowed, and when and
how to fire them
• sending a distress message – keep the
emergency procedures stickers from this
booklet beside your radio
• what’s in the grab bag and where to find it
• use of fire extinguishers, fire blanket and
other fire safety equipment
• when and how to launch the liferaft or
inflatable dinghy
• leaving/returning to a mooring or berth,
use of fenders and warps (not arms or legs)
• how to anchor
• where to find spare/waterproof clothing.
11
navigational
dangers
contingency
planning
Make sure you are familiar with any
navigational dangers you may encounter.
This generally means checking an up-to-date
chart and a current pilot book or almanac. It
is vital that you know, and ensure you remain
familiar with, what the different navigational
marks mean. See our interactive guide for
more information.
Always have a contingency plan should
anything go wrong. Before you go, consider
places where you can take refuge if conditions
deteriorate or you suffer an incident or injury.
It is sensible and good practice to make sure
you are not over-reliant on your GPS and can
navigate yourself to safety if it should fail
to work.
If you are unfamiliar with the area, seek advice
from local sea users or the Coastguard before
you set out. Check the chart for shallows and
make sure you know the channels.
If trailer boating, choose a launch spot
that is clear of rocks, swimmers and other
obstructions and show courtesy to other
people in the vicinity. Keep clear of surf and
avoid steeply shelving launch areas where you
will soon be out of your depth when holding
the craft in the water.
West cardinal buoy
12
Go to Learning the basics section
for further details.
Nominate a second in command
to take charge should the skipper
become incpacitated.
information
ashore
lifesaving
signals
Make sure that someone ashore knows your
plans and understands what to do if they
become concerned for your wellbeing.
There is an internationally agreed set of
lifesaving signals for use in distress. Under the
Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, you
must use the signals when communicating
with search and rescue units.
The Voluntary Safety Identification Scheme
(CG66) in the UK and the Yacht and Boat
Safety Scheme in the RoI are easy to join and
free. The schemes aim to help the Coastguard
to assist you quickly should you get into
trouble and could save your life. Join the
schemes here or contact the Coastguard/Coast
Guard. Go to useful contacts section.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
produces a free leaflet describing all the
signals. The advice given is based on Chapter V
of the International Convention for the Safety
of Life at Sea, known as SOLAS V. You are
advised to keep a copy onboard your vessel
but if this is not practical because your vessel
is small or very exposed, you should at least
study these signals before you set out.
13
Wearing the correct buoyancy aid or
lifejacket for your sport is essential
Photo: Richard Langdon
14
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
No matter how well kitted out your craft is when
you buy it, there is always some equipment that
you will need to add or replace to enhance your
safety. Regular servicing of all safety equipment
is highly recommended.
The topics here are not exhaustive. For more
information, why not request a free Advice
Onboard session?
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids
16
Caring for your lifejacket/buoyancy aid
17
Buoyancy 18
irish legislation
20
communication 20
first aid
22
flares
22
liferafts 23
fire extinguishers
23
15
Lifejackets and
buoyancy aids
The water can be extremely unpredictable. It is
vital to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. The RNLI
believes that lifejackets save lives and are useless
unless worn. If you find yourself in the water, a
lifejacket or buoyancy aid could save your life but
only if you ensure that it is the correct size and type
for you, properly fastened, maintained, and that you
understand how to operate it.
Enjoy your sport with the right equipment
Photo: Nathan Williams
16
Caring for your lifejacket/buoyancy aid
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids do not last
forever. Regularly inspect them for wear
and tear.
Whatever type you use, it will need basic
maintenance to keep it working properly. You
should have it serviced in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
• visually check for wear and tear, especially
at the folds, straps and fastenings
• on CO2 gas inflatable lifejackets check that
the gas bottle is full and fitted correctly, has
not been fired and has no signs of corrosion
• after saltwater use, wipe down your lifejacket
with fresh water and allow it to dry fully
before repacking (ensure you repack your
lifejacket according to the manufacturer’s
folding instructions).
A CO2 gas inflatable lifejacket that has been
inflated will need a new CO2 gas cylinder of
the correct size. Simply unscrew the empty
cylinder and screw on the new one. If it is an
automatic lifejacket, a replacement bobbin
capsule or cartridge will also be needed.
As a general rule, at least every 6 months:
• all lifejackets should be inflated, preferably by
hand pump to avoid moisture build-up inside
the jacket, and left inflated for 24 hours to
ensure they hold their pressure and to see
if there are any leaks or damage
When your lifejacket is not in use it should be
stored in a dry, well-aired area. Out of season,
the lifejacket should be opened up, partially
inflated with a pump (to remove folds) and
stored on a (non-metal) coathanger.
For buoyancy aids, check there is no
damage and store in a dry place. Do not
sit on buoyancy aids as this will reduce
their effectiveness.
Check CO 2 gas bottle is full, fitted and has
no corrosion
Open lifejacket and check for wear and tear
17
Buoyancy is measured in Newtons (N). The
Newton ratings are relative to the weight of
the intended users so a level 150 lifejacket
designed for a child will not float an adult and
you must get a level 150 lifejacket designed for
an adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight.
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids sold throughout
Europe should now meet the International
standard ISO 12402. Similar to the previous
European standard, it covers four basic levels
of buoyancy and uses the same pictograms to
indicate compliance.
A level 50 buoyancy aid is
recommended for dinghy,
kayak, windsurfing and personal
watercraft users. It does not
have sufficient buoyancy
to protect a person who is unable to help
themselves and is unlikely to turn a person
from a face-down position in the water.
A level 100 buoyancy aid/
lifejacket is recommended for
those in sheltered and calm
water. It is intended for those
who may have to wait for rescue
but are likely to do so in calm water conditions.
It may not have sufficient buoyancy to protect
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a person who is unable to help themselves
and may not roll an unconscious person on
to their back, particularly if they are wearing
heavy clothing.
A level 150 lifejacket is
recommended for general use
on coastal and inshore waters
when sailing, motorboating
and fishing. It is intended for
general offshore and rough weather use where
a high standard of performance is required. It
should turn an unconscious person on to their
back and requires no subsequent action by
the wearer to keep their face out of the water.
Its performance may be affected if the user is
wearing heavy and/or waterproof clothing.
A level 275 lifejacket is
recommended for offshore
cruising, fishing and commercial
users. It is intended primarily
for extreme conditions and
for those wearing heavy protective clothing
that may adversely affect the self-righting
capacity of lower Newton-rated lifejackets.
This lifejacket is designed to ensure that the
wearer is floating in the correct position with
their mouth and nose clear of the surface of
the water.
Photo: Richard Langdon
buoyancy
A level 150 or larger lifejacket is designed to
turn an unconscious person face up on entering
the water. A buoyancy aid is not guaranteed to
do this – it is only an aid to keeping you afloat.
Therefore:
Adult lifejackets are available with:
• foam-only buoyancy – these provide
buoyancy at all times and are bulky
• air and foam buoyancy
• air-only buoyancy – these are likely to be the
most compact and comfortable and may be
automatically inflated by a CO2 gas cylinder
on entering the water, inflated by a manually
operated cylinder or inflated orally. Suitable
spare CO2 gas cylinders and automatic
inflation mechanisms should be carried in
your craft. The RNLI recommends that you
should have crotch straps, a sprayhood and
a light on your lifejacket.
• foam-only buoyancy – these provide a
notional level 100 of buoyancy and are for
inshore use only
• air-only and air and foam buoyancy lifejackets
– these meet the requirements of a level 150
lifejacket and are for offshore use.
not to purchase a lifejacket that is too large.
It is easy for a child to slip out of an oversized
lifejacket and it may float high in the water
leaving their mouth and nose submerged. A
lifejacket that lifts more than 2.5cm above the
child’s shoulders once it is fitted and adjusted
is too large.
All children’s lifejackets and buoyancy aids
state a maximum weight and chest size that
must not be exceeded. It is equally important
Photo: Ocean Safety
• a buoyancy aid is the best choice for those
who expect to go in the water such as
dinghy sailors, waterskiers, personal
watercraft (PWC) riders, canoeists,
windsurfers and kayakers
• a lifejacket is a better choice for those who
plan to stay aboard – for larger yachts,
motorcruisers, angling and sportsboats.
Children’s lifejackets are available with:
Ensure lifejackets and buoyancy aids are suitable for your age, size and sport
19
IRISH
LEGISLATION
communication
Under Irish legislation, an appropriate personal
flotation device (lifejacket or buoyancy aid)
must be carried for everyone onboard
all vessels.
In coastal waters, a VHF radio set provides
the most reliable means of making immediate
contact with the Coastguard and alerting other
vessels if there is an emergency.
If the craft is less than 7m in length, personal
flotation devices must be worn at all times
on an open vessel or on deck on a vessel with
accommodation. Irrespective of the size of
the vessel, anyone under the age of 16 years
must wear a personal flotation device at all
times on an open boat or on deck if the vessel
has accommodation. Appropriate personal
flotation devices are also required when
being towed or if skiing behind a powered craft.
The legislation does not require the wearing
of personal flotation devices when a vessel
is moored alongside or at anchor, or if those
aboard are swimming from the vessel
for recreation.
• You must know how to operate your VHF
radio. The RYA administers the Short Range
Certificate (SRC) 1-day course including
routine, safety, urgency and distress
communications and radio voice procedures
and techniques. The Department of Transport
in the Republic of Ireland runs a 2-day course
(see useful contacts section page 38).
• Most new VHF radios will be equipped with
digital selective calling (DSC) allowing a
distress alert to be transmitted to the rescue
services at the touch of a button. If your VHF
radio is interfaced with a GPS set it will also
give your position.
• If you use a waterproof hand-held VHF, check
the batteries and always carry a set of spares.
• Make sure everything is working before you
leave by doing a radio check with a marina,
harbour master or coastguard.
In an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask
for the Coastguard. The service is free – the
Coastguard is always there to help.
20
A mobile phone with a waterproof case may
be useful on a PWC or small dinghy but should
not be relied on in emergencies. It may let you
down with a poor signal and it will not give the
rescue services your position. Other vessels in
the vicinity will not hear your call either.
A hand-held VHF radio is a better option.
Go to What to do in an emergency section.
Personal locator beacons (PLBs) and emergency
position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs)
are becoming increasingly popular. They use
a frequency of 406MHz and come with or
without a built-in GPS receiver. When set off,
the PLB or EPIRB sends an identifiable signal
via satellite to the emergency services. Your
position may either be calculated by
low-earth orbit satellites or immediately
indicated by the built-in GPS. These devices
must be registered with the Coastguard.
For more information go to the
interactive guide.
Ensure you have some means for calling for help
Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick
21
FIRST AID
flares
It is advisable that at least one crew member
on the vessel has a good understanding of
first aid.
Flares are an essential part of your safety
equipment. There are several types of flares
on the market designed for different water
users. For coastal journeys and beyond you
should carry a full flare kit including rockets,
hand-held flares and smoke flares.
A comprehensive first aid kit and good first aid
knowledge could prove invaluable while you
wait for professional assistance to arrive.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and
the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) run first aid
courses that are specifically marine orientated.
Go to useful contacts section for details.
If you are in doubt or in need of medical advice
do not hesitate to contact the Coastguard.
22
Firing flares is a simple method of indicating
that a boat and/or person are in distress, and
of drawing attention to your position when the
rescue services are coming to your aid.
• Make sure you know how to operate
your flares before you need them. Firing
mechanisms vary so read the
instructions printed on the
sides.
• Leisure flares expire
after 4 years. After
this date they will
deteriorate and
become less reliable.
Replace expired flares
with new ones.
• If your boat is suitable, mount some of
your flares in spring clips on a bulkhead
immediately inside the companionway for
rapid use. Keep any others (with a torch
and a pair of gloves) in a readily accessible,
watertight, screw-top container.
• It is illegal to fire a distress flare when not
in distress.
• White flares are to be used when the risk of
collision is imminent. They can also be used
for searching for an MOB at night. It is wise
to keep white flares separate from others to
avoid confusion.
Make sure all your crew know how to fire the
flares you have onboard
liferafts
Fire
extinguishers
Liferafts are an essential part of safety
equipment for an offshore or coastal passage
and should be stowed in a position ready
for immediate launching. Make sure you are
familiar with how your liferaft works and the
equipment inside it.
Fire extinguishers and fire blankets must
be checked and maintained in line with the
manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recommendations. Make sure
they are stowed correctly and fully accessible
and that every crew member knows when and
how to use them.
Being in a liferaft can make people feel cold
and seasick but liferaft survival equipment to
cope with this can vary enormously. Many
liferaft safety packs do not include drinking
water and food. You can get any extra kit
added the next time the liferaft is serviced,
or supplement the contents with a grab bag.
This should be a waterproof floating container
kept in an easily accessible place ready for
when you need to abandon the vessel.
Go to What to do in an emergency section for
more information.
23
Ensure you learn the necessary
skills to operate your craft
Photo: Richard Langdon
24
learning the basics
You and your crew must possess sufficient skills
to use your craft safely. You will enjoy your sport
much more as a result.
This means acquiring basic knowledge of
boathandling, navigation, rules of the road,
use of safety equipment and maintenance of
the craft and its engine.
sharing the water
rules of the road
safe speeds
navigation marks and lights
man overboard (MOB) drill
know your engine
26
27
27
27
28
29
25
Sharing
the water
You have to share the water with many other
craft. To help you enjoy your time at sea,
learn to do so responsibly:
• abide by speed limits in restricted areas
• know the collision avoidance rules
(International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) or rules of
the road)
• keep away from canoeists, divers
and anglers
• be aware of the effect of your wash,
particularly when close to other boats
• slow right down through anchorages
• avoid all areas with swimmers
• don’t throw rubbish into the sea, or spill
petrol or oil
• stay away from buoys, pots and markers
being used by local fishermen or divers
• be aware of the side effects of any
medication
• alcohol will impair your judgement. It is as
irresponsible for a skipper and crew to be
in charge of any craft under the influence
of alcohol as it is to drive a car under the
influence of alcohol. The use of recreational
drugs is equally dangerous and irresponsible.
Do you know who has right of way?
Photo: Nathan Williams
rules of
the road
safe speeds
Knowing the rules of the road is key to avoiding
collisions on the water. They become very
important in busy harbours or ports.
Make sure all crew are safely seated or holding
on before the boat starts moving.
The skippers of all craft on the water, from
supertankers to rowing boats, must abide by
the International Regulations for Preventing
Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), known as the rules
of the road, to prevent collisions. A complete
guide to IRPCS is available from the RYA, ISA
and most good chandlers.
Photo: Nathan Williams
• Treat any slippery areas with non-skid paint
or stick on non-skid strips.
• Check that everyone is comfortable with
your speed.
• Slow down in bumpy conditions or when
there are waves ahead.
• Warn everyone if the boat is going to
change speed or direction or is about to hit
unexpected waves.
• Be aware that back injuries are common on
small, fast craft. If you drive too fast, you also
risk people falling over the side.
• Bow riding is dangerous and is illegal in some
countries.
navigation
marks
and lights
Recognising the different types of navigation
marks and lights and knowing what they mean
is essential.
There are two main types of buoy:
lateral marks, which delineate safe channels,
and cardinal marks, which warn of
submerged hazards.
Any vessel that is underway at night is required
to show navigation lights. These lights will help
other vessels spot you in the dark, judge in
which direction you are travelling and identify
the type and size of your vessel. They also help
you to identify other vessels at night.
Lateral buoys delineate safe channels
Photo: Nathan Williams
Learn more with our interactive guide.
27
man overboard (MOB) drilL
A growing number of RNLI services are to
rescue people who have fallen overboard.
Even on a calm day it is easy to trip over a
loose line or sail, or be thrown out of the vessel
if the craft accelerates or turns unexpectedly.
Take basic precautions: always have one hand
for yourself and one for the boat, and watch
your step.
In the event of an MOB, everyone onboard
must know what to do. If only the skipper
knows the drill and goes overboard, they
could be lost if no one else is able to control
the vessel.
Practise man overboard recovery
28
Whatever your craft, returning to an MOB
casualty under sail or power can be very
difficult. There are several different techniques.
Practise to see which works best for you
and your crew and seek training for your
type of craft. Remember, staying clipped
on will significantly reduce your chances of
falling overboard and by always wearing your
lifejacket youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be better prepared if you do
fall in.
Go to What to do in an emergency section.
know your engine
One third of lifeboat launches to leisurecraft
each year are to vessels suffering machinery
failure or simply running out of fuel. Many of
these breakdowns could have been prevented if
the engine had been checked before setting off.
Make sure that your engine is properly serviced
at the beginning of the season and that you
carry out regular checks on it throughout the
year as well as before each trip.
Before departure:
• work out how much fuel you need for the
trip; calculate one-third for the way there,
one-third for the way back and one-third
spare. A second or auxiliary engine can save
the day should your main engine fail so make
sure you carry sufficient fuel for the auxiliary
engine as well as for your main engine
• look for obvious signs of oil or fuel leaks
• check the cooling water piping for signs of
trouble, such as perishing or weeping hoses
• inspect the cooling system’s raw-water
strainer and remove any debris that could
restrict the flow
• if the engines have a freshwater side to their
cooling system, check the level of coolant.
Don’t remove the cap when the engine is hot
• take a quick look at the drive belts. Are they
frayed, cracked or slack? If so, they need
replacing or tightening
• check the fuel filter for sediment or water;
a build-up of either warns you that the fuel
supply is not clean
• remove each engine’s dipstick and check the
level of lubricating oil. Top it up if necessary
• on an inboard petrol-engine boat, fans should
be turned on for at least a couple of minutes
to clear the compartment of fumes before
you turn the ignition key
• check that the engine compartment is clean
and dry. Petrol engines are particularly
susceptible to water in the bilge. Use a pump
and sponge to dry the engine compartment
• make sure you have the right tools and spares
to carry out basic engine maintenance or to
make running repairs if necessary.
After starting an inboard or outboard engine:
• check that cooling water is coming out of the
exhaust or the outboard telltale
• look for fuel or water leaks
• be aware of any unusual vibration.
On passage:
• regularly look into the engine compartment
to check that all’s well
• regularly scan the engine instruments to
make sure they are reading at normal levels.
Some people put a small paint mark where
this level should be
• don’t run the engines continuously at full
throttle as this burns fuel excessively.
The RYA and the ISA run a 1-day diesel engine
course. Go to useful contacts section.
A blockage here will cause the engine
to overheat
Learn more with our interactive guide.
29
Help will be there if you need it, but only if you
know how to make the call
Photo: Whitstable RNLI
30
what to do in an emergency
It is vital that you and your crew understand
what constitutes an emergency.
Everyone onboard should know how to respond
to a man overboard, when and how to make a
mayday call, operate flares and use a liferaft.
Are you in distress?
engine failure
man overboard (MOB)
firing flares
abandon ship
making a Mayday call
emergency beacons
rescue services
helicopter rescue
rescue by lifeboat
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Are you in
distress?
engine failure
Being in distress means that a vessel, vehicle,
aircraft or person is in grave and imminent
danger. This is a mayday situation. ‘Distress’
does not apply to a vessel that is disabled
but in no immediate danger. However, it
is strongly advised that you contact the
Coastguard so that they are informed of your
situation should it take a turn for the worse.
If in doubt always contact the Coastguard.
They may request the launch of a lifeboat.
Engine failure alone is not a distress situation:
it does not warrant a mayday radio message
or the use of red flares unless lack of power
has put the vessel and crew in grave and
imminent danger. However, do inform the
Coastguard of your situation; and explain that
you are trying to fix the problem. This may
prevent ‘maybe in trouble’ lifeboat call outs.
Photo: Colin Vickers
32
If your engine breaks down while you are
at sea, it’s important to take some safety
measures:
• Can you find and fix the problem yourself?
Check fuel, oil, air, cooling water and correct
operating procedures. If you can, fix the
problem. If not, consider alternatives, such
as using the dinghy and outboard motor to
tow the parent craft.
• Is there an alternative such as sails, other
engine, outboard motor, paddle? In open
water, it may be acceptable to drift while
you assess the problem and attempt repairs.
If not, anchor your vessel.
• Use your VHF to put out a ‘Securité’ (safety)
call announcement of your situation. A DSC
radio can do this very quickly and digitally.
Go to the interactive guide for
more information.
• If you are in a particularly hazardous area,
such as a traffic separation scheme, port
approach or channel, you can always
upgrade your call to a pan-pan or even
mayday if it warrants it. The Coastguard
may do this for you as they have the
equipment to assess your situation from
a larger perspective.
• Carry appropriate spare parts and tools
for your type of engine, as there are some
organisations that can come out and fix
it for you.
man
overboard
(mob)
If one of your crew has fallen overboard it is
vital you do not lose sight of them. Make sure
you do the following:
• Make your mayday call early (MOB comes
into this and can always be cancelled if you
pick the casualty up successfully). This is
where a VHF DSC set is advantageous.
• Stop the vessel as soon as possible and
initiate your manoeuvre to go back to
the casualty.
• At least one crew member must keep
pointing at the person in the water to keep
track of them.
• Throw MOB equipment and markers into
the water to aid the casualty.
• Press the MOB button on your GPS set.
• Have a method ready to bring them back
onboard if they are unable to help themselves.
Always practise this method with your crew
and know how to use the equipment.
When approaching the casualty:
• never allow a rotating propeller to get
near them
• ensure that if you have an engine it is in
neutral or turned off if it is safe to do so.
Make sure you know what to do
in a man overboard situation
How you approach and recover the MOB will
be very dependent on the conditions, type
of boat and familiarity with the equipment
onboard.
Photo: Jane Morgan
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firing flares
abandon ship
Flares are an effective means of both
signalling distress and indicating your
position. Everyone onboard should know how
to operate your flares before you need them.
Your liferaft is the last resort. Before you
abandon ship, make sure you are certain there
is no other choice. While your boat is still
afloat it will most likely be a better-equipped
and more pleasant place to survive than a
liferaft, even if in a bad state. Rescuers will
also find your boat easier to spot.
• Hold hand-held flares over the downwind
side of the boat with your arm fully
outstretched and your face turned away.
• Point them away from yourself, anyone else
and the superstructure of the boat.
• Hand-held flares become extremely hot
so wear gloves if possible.
• Rocket flares must not be used when
a helicopter or aircraft is overhead.
• Orange smoke flares are most effective
for daytime use.
• Red flares are most effective at night.
If you do need to use your liferaft:
• If you haven’t already done so, make a
mayday call using your VHF radio, set off
an EPIRB or PLB if you have one, or let off
distress flares.
• Make sure everyone is wearing correctly
fitted lifejackets with crotch straps.
• Take seasickness pills and drink as much
water as possible.
• Take your grab bag along with
carbohydrate-rich food and water.
• Prepare the liferaft for launching.
Do not inflate the liferaft on deck. Liferafts
are designed to be inflated in the water on
the downwind side of the boat unless your
vessel is on fire. Try to get into the liferaft
without getting wet.
The common rule is to always step up into
a liferaft.
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making a
mayday call
If your boat or any person onboard is in
distress and requires immediate assistance,
make a mayday broadcast.
Modern VHF sets are capable of non voice
Digital Selective Calling (DSC), which allows
you to send and receive information at the
touch of a button. Make sure each crew
member knows how to operate the DSC
distress alert button. State your position as
either latitude and longitude or
a distance and bearing from a known feature.
Go to the interactive guide for
more information.
With the introduction of the global maritime
distress and safety system (GMDSS), the
traditional distress calling procedure is
changing. Modern VHF sets are capable
of non-voice digital selective calling (DSC),
which automates calls by using a special
channel to send and receive information
digitally. Make sure each crew member knows
how to operate the DSC distress button.
In an emergency the most important thing to
do is to raise the alarm. It is possible to use a
mobile phone but this is a poor substitute for
a VHF radio because:
â&#x20AC;˘ mobile phone networks may offer poor
coverage at sea
â&#x20AC;˘ you can only ring one number on a mobile.
With a radio everyone hears your call for
help. There could be a vessel a few miles
away that hears you on the radio and could
reach you in minutes
â&#x20AC;˘ lifeboats and helicopters cannot home in to
the signal of a mobile phone. With a radio
they can, and will, find you more quickly.
Know your drills for survival at sea Orange smoke flares are for
daytime use
Making a mayday call
35
emergency
beacons
Rescue
services
Helicopter
rescue
EPIRBs (emergency position indicating radio
beacons) and PLBs (personal locator beacons)
broadcast a distress signal that allows the
search and rescue services to home in on
your exact position.
When you send a mayday in UK waters,
HM Coastguard will evaluate the situation
and coordinate the response of either RNLI
lifeboats, independent rescue services and/
or their own search and rescue helicopters.
The RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crews are highly
trained, and they will clearly communicate
their intentions. It’s crucial that you do
exactly as asked.
You’ll probably see the helicopter before the
helicopter crew sees you.
If you believe an EPIRB has been set off
accidentally, do not switch it off until you
have contacted the Coastguard to explain
what has happened.
PLBs operate in a similar way to EPIRBs but
are designed to locate a person rather than
a vessel.
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Photo: RNLI/Nigel Millard
EPIRBs are portable satellite communication
units, designed to send an automated
distress signal on a frequency of 406MHz
to search and rescue authorities ashore. The
RNLI recommends small craft carry an EPIRB
if they sail more than 20–30 nautical miles
from the coast. You must register your EPIRB
with the relevant national authorities so
that the rescue services have details of your
vessel. Go to useful contacts section.
• Never fire a parachute flare or miniflare
near a helicopter. In daylight, use an orange
smoke flare as a signal to the helicopter, or
use a hand-held red flare if requested.
• Once contact has been made, listen to the
pilot’s instructions carefully and brief your
crew. You will not be able to hear each other
when the helicopter is overhead.
• Ensure all loose gear on deck is secured.
• Do not touch the hi-line, winch wire or
winchman until they have ‘earthed’ in the
sea or touched the boat to avoid a static
electric shock.
• Wear gloves when handling the line.
• Never secure any helicopter line to the boat.
Rescue by
lifeboat
Depending on your location and the weather
conditions, the RNLI lifeboat that comes to
your aid may be a large all-weather type or
a smaller inshore lifeboat.
• Ensure radio contact is maintained. Most
lifeboats are equipped with VHF directionfinding equipment and you may be asked to
transmit using your VHF so they can home
in on your signal.
• Make your boat as visible as possible. Turn
on all lights at night or have distress flares
ready to use to help the lifeboat pinpoint
your exact position.
• Have ropes and mooring lines ready,
although the lifeboat will prepare any ropes
or fenders required.
• Warn the lifeboat of any hazards
in the water.
• Try to stay calm.
Using this guide and the interactive version
will help you to keep safe on the water. But if
things do go wrong, RNLI lifeboats are here to
help, whatever the weather, 24 hours a day,
365 days a year.
RNLI to the rescue
Photo: Anthony Peters
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useful contacts
UK:
RoI:
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ
RNLI Ireland, Airside, Swords, Co Dublin
Telephone: 0800 328 0600 email: coastal_safety@rnli.org.uk
Telephone: 1800 789589 email: lifeboatsireland@rnli.org.uk RNLI.org
General enquiries: 0845 122 6999 RNLI.org
Irish Coast Guard
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Leeson Lane, Dublin 2
Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 1EG
Telephone: 01 678 3454 email: Admin@irishcoastguard.ie www.ircg.ie
Telephone: 023 8032 9100 email: infoline@mcga.gov.uk www.mcga.gov.uk
In an emergency, call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Irish Sailing Association
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
3 Park Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin
RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4YA
Telephone: 01 280 0239 email: info@sailing.ie www.sailing.ie
Telephone: 0845 345 0400 email: admin@rya.org.uk www.rya.org.uk
Irish Water Safety
The EPIRB Registry (MCA)
The Long Walk, Galway
Pendennis Point, Castle Drive, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4WZ
Telephone: 1800 420202 (LoCall) email: info@iws.ie www.iws.ie
Telephone: 01326 211569 email: epirb@mcga.gov.uk
Maritime Radio Affairs Unit (MRAU)
British Marine Federation (BMF)
Department of Transport, Leeson Lane, Dublin 2
Marine House, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 8BF
Telephone: 01 678 3439 email: radiosurveyors@transport.ie
Telephone: 01784 473377 email: info@britishmarine.co.uk www.britishmarine.co.uk
Commission for Communications Regulations (ComReg)
Office of Communications (Ofcom)
Block DEF, Abbey Court, Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1
Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HA
Telephone: 01 804 9600 email: consumerline@comreg.ie www.comreg.ie
Telephone: 020 7981 3000 or 0300 123 3000 www.ofcom.org.uk
38
How to support the RNLI and why
we need your help
As a charity, the RNLI relies on voluntary
donations to keep our lifeboats afloat, so we
aim to ensure all who go to sea in their leisure
time realise that the value of our lifeboat
service comes at a cost.
Become an RNLI supporter from just over
£2/€3 a month, so you can enjoy the water
confident in the knowledge that the RNLI is
never far away should things go wrong.
Start supporting the RNLI today by calling
0845 121 4999 (UK) or 1800 789 589 (RoI)
quoting ‘sea safety’.
RNLI, West Quay Road,
Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ
web: RNLI.org
email: info@rnli.org.uk (UK) rnli.ie (RoI)
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea
Registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SCO37736).
Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland
VERSION 6/2013
Six tips for safe trips
Training
Tides and weather
Knowledge of your activity is essential
Check the conditions before heading out
Wear a lifejacket
Engine and fuel check
A life statement, not a fashion one - wear it
Have you sufficient fuel and spares?
SOS device
Inform
Carry a means of calling for help
Tell others where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going
RNLI.org/seasafety